fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

a

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

b

: characterized by fibrosis

c

: capable of being separated into fibers

a fibrous mineral

2

: tough, sinewy

fibrous texture

Synonyms

• stringy

Examples of fibrous in a Sentence

He had surgery to remove fibrous scar tissue in his knee.

thick, fibrous hair that was not easy to comb

Recent Examples on the Web

Asbestos is a fibrous material that was previously used in building materials due to its resistance to fire, heat and corrosion. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Mechanical recycling degrades polymer quality and can’t handle colored, multi-layer, or fibrous PET; chemical routes consume high energy and often yield intermediate monomers that require more processing. —Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

Mycelium — the root-like structure of fungi — mimics the fibrous chew of meat. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025

Dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissue, and less fatty breast tissue. —Jennie Durant, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French fibreux, from fibre fiber

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fibrous

• fibrous root

Kids Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

2

: tough entry 1 sense 1b, stringy

Medical Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

collagen is a fibrous protein

2

: characterized by fibrosis